4 Tips to Elevate Your College Essay
In this article, Mel B., a former UT Austin adcom member and current Leland coach, shares four invaluable tips to take your college essay from ordinary to exceptional.
By Mel B.
Former Admissions Staff | Pro Coach | Make your app stand out
Posted June 18, 2025
Join a free event
Learn from top coaches and industry experts in live, interactive sessions you can join for free.
Table of Contents
As a former admissions counselor, the essay portion was always my favorite part of the application to review. This is an opportunity to get to know the applicant outside of their GPA and test scores while truly understanding who they are as a person. I am confident that most admissions staff members would agree with me.
Though the task of writing an essay can be daunting, don’t let it be the reason you are not admitted to a college. When I was applying to undergraduate institutions, I poured my heart into an essay about a sock. I thought it was an awesome essay, and so did my English teacher (she kept the essay as an example to show other students how to write unique essays). It was an odd subject, but I have no doubt that it stood out.
In my past 9+ years working in higher education, I have learned a thing or two about writing a strong essay. Below are four tips to support you as you prepare your applications.
Tip #1: Start Early
Don’t procrastinate. Even if you’re a strong writer, the essay portion can take a lot of time. Before the application goes live, think about the type of story you want to tell. I encourage you to keep a note or journal of possible themes and stories that you could share during your essay. As soon as the application goes live, review the essay prompts and see which of your stories and ideas best align with the essay you are being asked to write.
Feeling uninspired? Ask those you are close to if they have any favorite memories with you or how they would describe you to a stranger.
Tip #2: Seek Support
Speaking of starting early, ask for help well in advance. Think about someone you trust - a teacher, counselor, family member, or friend - and ask them if they would be willing to review your essay. Make sure it is someone who can be completely honest with you. At the same time, make sure you are open to feedback and hearing constructive criticism. Having someone else read your essay can have huge benefits - even if it is just to spell check!
Tip #3: Stand Out
Consider the admissions committee’s perspective - what are you going to bring to their institution? While you’re evaluating essay topics, think about how you can sell yourself. It can be helpful to consider the following questions:
- What did you learn from that situation/person/place?
- How will you bring what you learned to the institution?
- How will you leave the institution better than you found it?
Pro tip: Visit campus (in-person or virtually)! This will help you fully understand the institution and its values, which will enhance the ways you communicate the value of having you join the student body.
Tip #4: Be Original
Have you ever thought about the most popular essay topics? Regardless of the prompt, it is safe to assume that there are thousands of college applications written annually on an ACL injury, a divorce, and, as of recently, COVID-19. There’s nothing wrong with writing about these topics; I say this so that if you do write about them, you understand that it will not be the only essay on that topic your admissions counselor will read about today.
If you want to write about these topics, then do it. Write the best essay ever. However, do not feel pressured to write about something sad or traumatic that has happened to you. Utilize this as a time to reflect on your experiences and what is important to you.
Writing your college essay can be overwhelming, but I would encourage you to flip your mindset. Look at this as an opportunity rather than an obligation. How are you going to use this as a chance for the admissions committee to learn something about you that they don’t already know? This is your chance to shine.
Mel B. is a former UT Austin adcom member with years of experience working with prospective students at Stanford and NYU. Schedule a FREE intro call with Mel B. todayto nail your college applications!
Read next:
- How to Write a Conclusion for a College Application Essay
- What Looks Good on College Applications? 6 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- 5 Tips for Time Management in College
- How To Get Into BYU
- Top Questions to Ask a College Admissions Officer
FAQs
When should I start writing my college essay?
- Ideally, before senior year, use the summer after junior year to brainstorm and draft. Finish supplements before school begins.
How do I pick a college essay topic that stands out?
- Choose unique, specific personal anecdotes, not clichés. Utilize tools like a "Me List"—jot down defining moments, objects, or quirks—and pick the story that reveals who you are.
How should I structure my essay?
- Outline a narrative arc: start strong with a hook, develop through reflection, and end with a “kicker.” Use a montage or narrative structure to show personal growth.
How much college essay feedback is too much?
- Ask 2-3 trusted reviewers: teachers, mentors, or family. And be open to honest critique. Avoid losing your unique voice by over-editing.
What should I avoid in my college essay?
- Don’t be impersonal or overly formal—write how you speak.
- Skip cliché topics like sports injuries, family illness, or overused themes unless you offer a fresh twist
Written by Mel
5.0
(4)
With a decade of experience in university enrollment departments, college acceptance has been an integral part of my story. My passion for connecting with and empowering students stems from my experience working in both admissions and visitor experience at Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, and New York University. Most notably, two of my experiences have prepared me well to coach you: 1. Working in The University of Texas at Austin's undergraduate admissions office - I recruited students, read admissions applications and supported the office in making admissions decisions. I know what it takes to stand out as an applicant. 2. Receiving my graduate degree in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting from New York University - I gained skills that set me apart as a coach due to the ways that I challenge and empower my coachees in reaching their dreams. I grew up in the US and am based in the UAE. I am a proud graduate of New York University, the University of Georgia, and Clemson University (and am a huge college football fan!).
Mel has helped clients get into organizations like:
